On 5 October 2026, India and Switzerland signed two agreements on the movement of people. They were signed in New Delhi during Swiss President Guy Parmelin’s state visit.
One is the Migration and Mobility Partnership (MMP). The other is the Agreement on the Exchange of Young Professionals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the agreements will open new opportunities for Indian students, researchers, professionals and youth.
This guide explains what the MMP is, what it offers and what it does not. It also shows what Indian applicants should check before making plans. For the exchange scheme, read our separate guide on the Switzerland Young Professionals Scheme for Indians.
QUICK ANSWER
The MMP provides multiple-entry visas valid for up to 5 years. Each visit can last up to 6 months. It also provides renewable one-year student permits.
It does not automatically grant the right to live or work in Switzerland.
India-Switzerland MMP at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Signed on | 5 October 2026, Hyderabad House, New Delhi |
| Signed during | State visit of Swiss President Guy Parmelin (5 to 7 October 2026) |
| Visa | Multiple-entry, valid for up to 5 years |
| Stay per visit | Up to 6 months |
| Student permit | Renewable, valid for one year |
| Guiding principle | Equal treatment principles (as described by MEA) |
| Also covers | Irregular migration, human exploitation and trafficking, in line with national laws |
| Companion agreement | Agreement on the Exchange of Young Professionals |
What Is the Migration and Mobility Partnership?
The MMP is a bilateral framework between India and Switzerland. It aims to create more legal mobility opportunities for Indian students, researchers, professionals and young people.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the pact builds cooperation on principles of equal treatment. It also aims to prevent and combat irregular migration, human exploitation and trafficking, in line with national laws.
Why Was the Pact Signed Now?
The MMP builds on the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). The EFTA members are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. TEPA came into force in October 2025.
PM Modi called TEPA India’s first free trade agreement with any economic bloc in Europe. Under it, the goal is $100 billion in investment and one million direct jobs in India over 15 years.
- Parmelin’s visit marked the first anniversary of TEPA coming into force.
- Switzerland is India’s largest trade and investment partner within EFTA.
- More than 330 Swiss companies operate in India.
Economic Times Defence notes that such pacts matter most for the services and knowledge economy. It adds that Switzerland can access skilled talent in areas such as engineering, pharmaceuticals and digital services. In simple terms, trade needs people to move, not just capital.
Key Provisions of the MMP
1. Multiple-entry visas valid up to 5 years
Eligible Indian citizens can get multiple-entry visas valid for up to 5 years. Each visit can last up to 6 months. These terms are subject to applicable conditions.
This could help eligible Indians who travel to Switzerland repeatedly for permitted purposes.
IMPORTANT
A 5-year visa does not mean you can stay for 5 years. The purpose of travel and the stay limit for each visit still apply.
2. Renewable one-year student permits
The MMP provides for renewable student permits valid for one year. This is relevant for Indian students who plan to study in Switzerland.
It does not mean every student qualifies automatically. Admission, financial and immigration requirements still apply. Check the rules for your course and period of stay before you pay any fees.
3. Action on irregular migration and exploitation
The MMP also addresses irregular migration, human exploitation and trafficking. These measures follow national laws. For genuine applicants, the lesson is simple: use legal routes and follow official procedures.
Who Can Benefit From the MMP?
| Applicant | How the MMP may help | What to still check |
|---|---|---|
| Students | Renewable one-year student permits | Admission, funds, course rules |
| Researchers | Named among the groups the pact aims to support | Institution and permit conditions |
| Professionals | Multiple-entry visas for permitted purposes | Employer and work permit rules |
| Frequent visitors | Longer visa validity | Purpose of travel and stay limits |
What the MMP Does Not Do
- It gives no automatic right to live or work in Switzerland.
- You must still meet the visa, residence and employment conditions.
- Swiss rules for non-EU and non-EFTA workers still apply.
- Work permits are largely limited to qualified professionals, specialists and managers.
- Practical benefits depend on implementation and the procedures made available to applicants.
- The reports we reviewed do not give a start date or application steps.
REALITY CHECK
The real test is whether the stated visa terms become accessible in practice. Track official announcements before you plan.
Swiss Work Permits: A Reality Check
Switzerland sets yearly limits on work permits for non-EU and non-EFTA nationals. For 2026, the Federal Council set the limit at 8,500 permits.
| Permit type | 2026 quota | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| B permit (residence) | 4,500 | Longer employment of 12 months or more |
| L permit (short stay) | 4,000 | Short contracts under 12 months |
| Total | 8,500 | For non-EU and non-EFTA nationals |
Cantons receive most of these permits. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) keeps a small federal reserve. Employers lead the application, and the domestic labour priority rule (Inländervorrang) applies.
DO NOT ASSUME
Do not assume the MMP overrides existing Swiss work permit rules. Check how it applies to your own case.
Other Outcomes of the Visit
The MMP was one of several outcomes during the state visit. Here is a summary.
- Young Professionals Agreement: 300 people per country each year, which may rise to 500. Nationality and residency checks take 30 to 90 days.
- Startup programme: an arrangement between DST and the Zurich University of Applied Sciences for the Indo-Swiss AIT India programme.
MMP vs Young Professionals Scheme
| Point | MMP | Young Professionals Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Broad mobility framework | Temporary employment and skills exchange |
| Visa | Multiple-entry, up to 5 years | Temporary placement |
| Students | Renewable one-year permits | Not meant for degree study |
| Annual limit | None announced | 300 per country, up to 500 |
NOTE
Do not assume age limits or rules for the Young Professionals Scheme from similar programmes in other countries. Wait for the official guidelines.
What Should Indian Applicants Do Now?
- Check your eligibility: age, qualifications, nationality and purpose of travel.
- Students: confirm the requirements for your course and period of stay.
- Young professionals: confirm your job and background fit the right scheme.
- Prepare documents such as admission or job proof, funds and insurance.
- Follow MEA and Swiss authority announcements for start dates and procedures.
- Be careful of anyone who promises a guaranteed visa under the pact.
Conclusion
The India-Switzerland Migration and Mobility Partnership is a broad framework for study, research and professional mobility. It offers multiple-entry visas up to 5 years and renewable one-year student permits.
It is not a guarantee of entry or employment. Swiss visa and work permit rules still apply. Plan with official information, and wait for the detailed procedures before you commit money.
Planning to Study, Work or Travel to Switzerland?
The India-Switzerland Migration and Mobility Partnership opens new possibilities, but every case depends on your profile and goals. Abroad Gateway’s immigration and study abroad experts review your eligibility and documents. We then guide you to the right route. Book your free consultation now!
